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Migration of jugular or subclavian venous catheters into inferior tributaries of the brachiocephalic veins or into the azygos vein, with possible complications

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Abstract

Six children are reported in whom a central venous catheter from the internal jugular or the subclavian vein migrated to an anomalous position: the left superior intercostal vein in the first two cases, the thymic vein in the third, and the azygos vein in the last three. Resultant complications in five cases were: extravasation of the infusate in the first and third case; local vascular stenosis or complete vascular occlusion in the second and fifth case; and obstruction of the azygos arch due to local thrombosis and possible stenosis, with a likely extravasation of the infusate, in the sixth case. The mediastinal vascular anatomy related to these central venous catheters is reviewed with reference to similar and related cases in the literature.

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  1. Department of Radiology, Children's Medical Center, 1935 Motor Street, 75235, Dallas, TX, USA

    G. Currarino

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Currarino, G. Migration of jugular or subclavian venous catheters into inferior tributaries of the brachiocephalic veins or into the azygos vein, with possible complications. Pediatr Radiol 26, 439–449 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01377198

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01377198

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